Located in the southernmost region of Chile, this breathtaking part of Patagonia spans over 1,000 miles. It covers everything from the province of Llanquihue to Chilean Antarctica, taking in the Magallanes in between. And with this great expanse comes some of the world’s most unspoiled and spectacular scenery.
From soaring mountains and pristine lakes to sprawling glaciers and luscious forests, this remote region is a haven for explorers and adventure-seekers alike. And they won't have to look far to find it.
Just peer out your window at the snow-capped Andes and vast, ethereal landscapes on one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever take - well worth the 5-hour journey. That’s because Punta Arenas airport is 360 kilometers (224 miles) south of one of Chilean Pataginia’s most alluring attractions: Torres del Paine National Park.
For adventurous hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, this majestic park is a destination to behold. Covering a mammoth 1,814 km², visitors will be treated to every natural wonder your imagination could conjure; think towering granite peaks, rushing rivers and waterfalls and some of the clearest, most crystalline lakes.
The best way to take it all in is by traversing the legendary W or O circuit trails. Each exhilarating step will take you deeper into the natural world - and far from life as you know it.
Only about 59 kilometers (37 miles) beyond the park’s borders is another natural marvel that’s well worth visiting: Perito Moreno Glacier. Both grandiose and ghostly, listen to this gargantuan eighth wonder of the world echo and creak as it slowly advances. Perito Moreno Glacier is in a constant state of flux, moving forward at a rate of approximately two meters (6.5 feet) per day. And this results in the continuous calving of icebergs into Lake Argentino. But the waterways of Patagonia - whether that’s on the Chilean or Argentinan sides - aren’t just home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring glaciers; they’re a panoramic pathway for even more adventurous exploration.
Intrepid adventurers can race to Isla Magdalena via speedboat from Tres Puentes Pier in Punta Arenas; this stunning voyage takes about an hour. Here, you can expect to find over 120,000 Magellanic penguins enjoying the natural habitat of these shores. Although this area is renowned for its penguin colonies, it’s also an excellent spot for observing other marine wildlife. Boat tours departing from Punta Arenas provide an exciting chance to encounter humpback whales, orcas and dolphins breaching the waters around this hospitable island.
That's just the tip of the iceberg of what you’ll experience in this biodiverse and untouched wilderness. A remote realm for wildlife, this wild frontier is a gateway to the southernmost inhabited land on Earth. And whether it's kayaking glacial rivers, riding picturesque plains by horseback or casting a line in pursuit of the prized Patagonia trout, every minute spent in Chilean Patagonia feels like a moment.
